Stopping Michigan's Danny Wolf in Sweet 16 required team effort from Johni Broome, Auburn
Stopping Michigan's Danny Wolf in Sweet 16 required team effort from Johni Broome, Auburn
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Sunday's Elite 8 slate features Michigan St. vs. Auburn, Tennessee vs. Houston
Mackenzie Salmon breaks down Sunday's Elite Eight matchups.
Sports Seriously
ATLANTA — As the Michigan lead began to rise, so did the fans who made the 700-plus mile journey to Friday's Sweet 16 showdown against Auburn.
Moments before the Wolverines' star forward reached the 20-point mark by driving on Naismith Player of the Year finalist Johni Broome, chants of 'DAN-NY WOLF' began echoing through the maize-and-blue portion of State Farm Arena.
But after a half of futile attempts at stopping the former Ivy Leaguer turned pro prospect, Auburn finally figured out a way to slow the 7-foot junior, holding him scoreless for the final 13 minutes on the way to a comeback 78-65 win.
'All I really cared about was getting a win, and we weren't able to do it,' said Wolf, who shot 9-of-18 from the floor, including 2-of-4 from 3. 'Credit to Auburn, but I had no intention of really showing anyone what type of game I played.'
After Wolf contributed to the Bulldogs' first-round upset of Auburn a year ago, Broome and other Auburn returners made it clear 'it was personal' to get a win. But it took a five-man effort to slow Michigan's 7-foot duo of Wolf and center Vladislav Goldin, Broome said.
'That's a great front line,' Broome said. 'But we wanted to challenge ourselves and make it tough for him and (Goldin). I credit my whole front line, even our guards, for extending the ball pressure and not making it easy.'
Despite the loss, Wolf was a leader of one of the biggest single-season turnarounds in college basketball history, from 8-24 a year ago to 19 additional wins and a Big Ten Tournament championship this year.
Not even Wolf, a die-hard Michigan fan growing up, likely saw that coming when he transferred from Yale — but through visible emotion, he recounted the uncertainty of the portal that gave way to a childhood dream realized.
'When I left Yale, I didn't know what my basketball future held,' Wolf said. 'I'd grown up a big Michigan fan and sported a ton of Michigan clothes. After all their Final Fours, all I wanted for my birthday was signed basketballs … (this year) was arguably the greatest year of my life. I made so many amazing relationships. I met my brothers for life.'
Gunter Schroeder is a student in the University of Georgia's Sports Media Certificate program.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Zakai Zeigler's prelimiary injunction challenging NCAA redshirt rule for fifth year of eligibility denied
Several weeks after Zakai Zeigler filed a lawsuit against the NCAA seeking a fifth year of eligibility, his preliminary injunction has been denied, according to Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger. Zeigler had already played four seasons for Tennessee and didn't begin his college career until 2021, one year after the 2020-21 class that was allowed one more year of eligibility lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. Advertisement In the lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District Court of Tennessee, Zeigler was looking to play the 2025-26 season, challenging the NCAA rule that an athlete has four years of eligibility within a five-year window. Zeigler, 22, isn't allowed an opportunity to earn NIL money for a fifth year because he used up all of his eligibility. As the lawsuit argues, that deprives him of a fifth year, "the most lucrative year of the eligibility window for the vast majority of athletes." How lucrative? The lawsuit argued that Zeigler could earn between $2 million and $4 million in a fifth year based on his record of success and visibility playing in the SEC. Those figures are projections from the Spyre Sports Group, which facilitates Tennessee's NIL collective. Advertisement Athletes who receive a redshirt are allowed a fifth year of eligibility, which gives them one more year to earn NIL income. A freshman who was redshirted, for example, would still be able to earn NIL money even if he or she doesn't play. As the filing, the documents of which were posted online by Boise State professor Sam Ehrlich, reads: "Many players, however, do compete in the fifth year of their eligibility window. And they can earn NIL compensation for all five of those years. Had Zeigler been withheld from competing in sports during one of those four years, perhaps by redshirting, the NCAA rules would permit him to participate again next year. And this is true even if he would have slowed his academic progress and taken five years to graduate." Zeigler graduated in May, majoring in retail and merchandising management. This is different from the lawsuit Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia filed against the NCAA, claiming that he should be allowed a fifth year of eligibility because he played his first two years for New Mexico Military Institute, a junior college. In December, Pavia was granted an injunction allowing him to play the 2025 college football season. Advertisement Last season with the Vols, the 5-foot-9 Zeigler averaged 13.6 points, 7.4 assists and 1.9 steals while shooting 32% on 122 3-point attempts. He was named a third-team All-American, and won first-team All-SEC and SEC defensive player of the year honors for two consecutive seasons. The Volunteers finished 30-8, 12-6 in the SEC, and advanced to the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight before losing to Houston. Zeigler holds the Tennessee single-season (275) and career (747) records for assists, and career steals with 251.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Chaminade-Madonna WR Jasen Lopez focused on playing football, basketball in college
HOLLYWOOD — Jasen Lopez is one of the premier multi-sport athletes in the state. The Chaminade-Madonna rising senior wide receiver/point guard showcased his skills in both sports the past week. He hit a game-winning buzzer-beater in front of college coaches on May 18, then scored the first touchdown of the Lions' spring scrimmage on May 19. Advertisement Lopez plans to play both sports in college. 'It's pretty important to me and my family,' Lopez said of playing football and basketball at the next level. 'It's something I've been doing since I've been a little kid. … That's a big opportunity, and it's something I'm looking forward to doing.' Ranked No. 41 overall and the top slot receiver on the USA Today Florida Network Top 100, Lopez has scheduled official visits to Florida State, Georgia Tech, Miami, N.C. State and West Virginia. Chaminade-Madonna wide receiver Jasen Lopez catches a pass during the Lions spring scrimmage on May 19, 2025 in Hollywood, Florida. The 5-foot-11, 185-pounder said his official visits will go a long way toward his decision. 'I just want to get up on campus, see how the coaches are, see how the campus is,' Lopez said. 'That's the place I'm going to live for the next four years, so I'll just get up there, check it out.' Advertisement More: 10 critical football recruiting questions on Florida 2026 class: Gators still rule state? Here are some other recruiting updates from Chaminade's spring scrimmage. RB Derrek Cooper Chaminade-Madonna running back Derrek Cooper watches the action during the Lions spring scrimmage on May 19, 2025 in Hollywood, Florida. Cooper, ranked No. 1 on the Top 100, took his first official visit to Auburn and said the Tigers 'set the bar.' 'Coach Nix (offensive coordinator Derrick Nix), he's a great coach,' Cooper said. 'I got to get on the board with him, draw up some plays, how things set up, how to get to the next level, how to separate yourself from different backs.' Cooper also has official visits scheduled to Miami, Alabama, Georgia, Florida State, and Ohio State. WR Denairius Gray Gray, a longtime Auburn commit, plans to take official visits to N.C. State and Ole Miss this summer. Gray is No. 22 on the USA Today Florida Network Top 100. Advertisement 'My recruitment goes off the schools that really recruit me and show me the most love,' Gray said. 'That's what's special about Auburn is my relationship with the coaches.' WR Peter Pierre The talent pipeline just keeps flowing at Chaminade and Pierre, a rising sophomore, is the latest one colleges are noticing. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound pass catcher has picked up several offers this spring, including Oregon, USC, and Washington. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Recruiting: Chaminade-Madonna WR Jasen Lopez sets official visits
New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
48 thoughts on the Lions' defensive players and special teams unit
DETROIT — One thought for all 48 players on the Detroit Lions' defense and special teams unit. DT Alim McNeill: One of the league's best young defensive tackles is going to be shelved for a bit after tearing his ACL in December. McNeill was in good spirits at locker room clean-out day in January, but don't expect to see him for a bit. The Lions won't rush him. He's too important. Advertisement DT Levi Onwuzurike: Back on a one-year steal deal, Onwuzurike will look to get paid next offseason. Last year was a breakout year for him, finishing top-15 in pressures and win rate among DTs, per PFF. However, he only racked up 1.5 sacks and teams might've been hesitant to pay a player with an injury history after just one year of production. The Lions benefited and will need their 2021 second-round pick with McNeill recovering. He should step in as a starting three-tech. DT DJ Reader: One of the best space-eating nose tackles in the league, Reader's value often doesn't show up on the box score. But he was impactful. In years past, the Lions would have to sell out to defend the run. Reader's presence frees up others to make plays. Don't be a box-score watcher. The Lions are lucky to have him. DT Tyleik Williams: Smart teams plan for the future, and that's what the Lions did by drafting Williams in the first round this past April. He wasn't on the radar of many, but those who watched him at Ohio State know what he's all about. He moves so well for a 300-pound tackle, and in many ways, he is reminiscent of McNeill coming out of NC State. A smart, instinctual player who can read and react with quickness, Williams will be heavily featured this year and beyond. All the tools to be a core player, and shores up a defensive line that could lose Reader and Onwuzurike in 2026. DT Roy Lopez: Adding Lopez in free agency was a move to address depth after an injury-riddled 2024 season. By the end of the season, the Lions were trotting out players who had signed just days prior. Lopez gives them starting-caliber depth in the event of an injury, and a rotational player who's strong as a bull with the mentality they covet. He offers peace of mind. DT Mekhi Wingo: Wingo flashed as an interior pass-rusher last season, but his lack of size and length make him more of a rotational player than a starter. He's recovering from a meniscus injury that sidelined him in the second half of the season, but told me he expects to be ready by training camp. We'll see if that's still the case, but the more time he has to reacclimate, the better. He's got some twitch that others don't have in that room. Advertisement DT Brodric Martin: It feels like now or never for Martin. The former third-round pick has yet to make an impact in the NFL and was passed up by practice-squad players last season when DT depth was thin. The Lions have had conversations with Martin about expectations, so this is nothing he doesn't already know. In a perfect world, the light comes on and he proves serviceable in a rotational role, setting him up to be the third DT next season behind McNeill and Williams. But the clock is ticking. DT Myles Adams: One of those practice-squad players who was trusted ahead of Martin was Adams. He came over from the Seattle Seahawks last season and impressed the staff enough to warrant a return this offseason. DT Pat O'Connor: Whenever Campbell talks about the 'vet squad' and how they'll need them when the season gets going, O'Connor is one of the names he often brings up. The Lions absolutely needed O'Connor when injuries struck last season, and he was a bit of a band-aid for them. One of those guys you're happy to have around. DT Chris Smith: A former UDFA who got his start at Harvard before transferring to Notre Dame, Smith has managed to stick around on the practice squad for a few seasons now, earning some defensive snaps sparingly. He's one of those players who will randomly earn some love from the head man himself. Cool to see a Detroit native get a chance for his hometown team. DT Raequan Williams: The former Michigan State product earned a tryout with the Lions during rookie minicamp, and parlayed it into a spot on the active roster heading into the summer. We'll have to see more going forward, but Williams is an easy-going personality and has bounced around various practice squads in his career to date. Maybe the Lions will find a spot for him. DT Keith Cooper: Cooper, a UDFA out of Houston, caught my eye at rookie minicamp. Felt like he was always in the backfield, even in shorts. He's got good size and a presence to him. Eager to see more in training camp. Advertisement Edge Aidan Hutchinson: The best player on this Detroit defense and one of the faces of this franchise, Hutchinson's return to action has been a welcome sight. He was on pace for a truly special season before a broken leg derailed it. But that's in the past. Hutchinson wants to prove that that torrid start is his new norm. If it is, he just might be the highest-paid defender in the game. Edge Marcus Davenport: The Lions, as of now, are rolling with Davenport as their starting edge opposite of Hutchinson. When he's on the field, Davenport is everything the Lions want out of a Hutchinson running mate. He's powerful, can set an edge, doesn't deviate from his responsibilities and is an excellent character fit. Banking on better health from a player who routinely ends his seasons on injured reserve remains a risky one — no matter how cheap his contract is. Edge Josh Paschal: At this point, we know what Paschal is. His run defense gives him a solid floor, but he's nothing special as a pass rusher off the edge, and hasn't improved much in that department since his rookie year. Holmes said the Lions played Paschal on the edge too much last season, and believes he can offer more value as an interior rusher, but the Lions have plenty of options inside. They need more players who can get to the quarterback off the edge. Edge Al-Quadin Muhammad: Signed to stop the bleeding last season when Hutchinson and Davenport went down, Muhammad was more than serviceable. He recorded 24 pressures in just 173 pass-rush snaps — the third-most he's had in a single season. For reference, he had 25 pressures in 376 pass-rush snaps in 2020 and 37 pressures in 457 pass-rush snaps in 2021. A good rotational piece who might have to play a heavy workload if history repeats itself with Davenport. Edge Ahmed Hassanein: A fan favorite before he's even played an NFL snap, Hassanein's energy is infectious. I've never seen a more appreciative player than him. He's in awe of everything that comes with being an NFL player — from the coaching he's getting to even the snacks available to him in the facility. An easy guy to root for, but it's important to remember he's a rookie sixth-round pick. He's not the savior, but in time, he could be a contributor. Edge Nate Lynn: Lynn was turning heads in training camp last year before suffering a season-ending injury. It's a shame because the coaching staff had good things to say about the UDFA out of William & Mary. Curious to see if he can recapture that momentum now that he's healthy. We haven't seen him much since that injury. Training camp will give us a proper evaluation window. Edge Isaac Ukwu: Ukwu flashed in training camp and the preseason last year, and the Lions gave him a shot when some of their top rushers went down, but he wasn't ready for meaningful NFL snaps. He played sparingly and wasn't much of a factor. Still, a good taste of NFL football for a rookie UDFA. We'll see what's in store for him in Year 2. Advertisement Edge Mitchell Agude: Agude is one of those guys you can expect to see every training camp. The Lions tried him at SAM linebacker last year with mixed results, but that they like him enough to move him around speaks to how they feel about him. He should have a spot on the practice squad, at the very least. LB Jack Campbell: Many criticized the Lions for drafting Campbell in the first round two years ago. Now he looks like one of the best young linebackers in the game. Go figure. Campbell's elite range and length give him a high floor, and he made serious strides in coverage in Year 2. It coincides with him settling into the MIKE linebacker spot, after he was moved around as a rookie. With so many injuries to the position last season, Campbell was a mainstay, and he's only getting better. The goal for him in 2025 should be a Pro Bowl appearance. He's got the talent. LB Alex Anzalone: One of the players who jump-started this rebuild, Anzalone is a valuable presence in the locker room and one of the NFL's most underrated linebackers. What he can do in man coverage and instinctively as a run defender helps keep everyone on the same page defensively. But it appears Anzalone, who wasn't around for OTAs, wants a new contract. Coaches wouldn't discuss his situation, but he was one of two players who weren't accounted for this spring and weren't on Campbell's list of injury absences. The other was Frank Ragnow. Entering the final year of his contract, we'll see what the future holds for these two parties. LB Derrick Barnes: While Anzalone could be waiting on a new contract, Barnes is back on a new three-year deal, paying him north of $8 million per year. You might wonder if that was a lot to pay a linebacker coming off a knee injury, and it's a fair question. But Barnes just turned 26, can play any of the Lions' three linebacker spots and can even rush the passer. There's nobody who can do what Barnes does on this roster, and he was off to a good start before he went down. They couldn't afford to let him walk without a proper replacement. LB Malcolm Rodriguez: One of the league's best reserve linebackers, Rodriguez could probably start for a number of teams in the NFL. He's got a nose for ball carriers and his wrestling background shows when he's disengaging from blockers. He's a valuable depth piece when healthy, but a torn ACL will sideline him likely through November. LB Grant Stuard: Stuard, a free agent addition from the Colts, figures to be a core special-teams player with defensive upside. He stepped in as a starter for the Colts last season and recorded 19 tackles in a game. But think of him as a Jalen Reeves-Maybin replacement. This was a Dave Fipp signing. LB Trevor Nowaske: Nowaske has the trust of defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard because he knows the responsibilities of all three linebacker spots. That's how you get on the field in this defense. He was deployed as a SAM linebacker when Barnes went down, and although his pass-rushing left a lot to be desired, he held his own. You'd just like him more in a traditional LB role. Advertisement LB Zach Cunningham: Cunningham was signed this spring, perhaps as linebacker depth with Anzalone unavailable. A second-round pick out of Vanderbilt in 2017, Cunningham has 86 career starts under his belt and offers some veteran experience. LB Ezekiel Turner: Turner was one of the linebackers added to keep things afloat last season. At one point, the Lions were without Rodriguez, Barnes, Anzalone and Reeves-Maybin. Turner was needed. After re-signing in March, he'll compete for a roster spot, but could find himself on the vet squad. LB Anthony Pittman: Pittman found his way back to Detroit after signing with the Washington Commanders last offseason. He was ultimately cut, then signed to the Jaguars' practice squad before the Lions poached him in December. He offered familiarity amid Detroit's LB chaos, and re-signed with the team this offseason. Not a roster lock, but they know what they have in him. LB Daron Gilbert: A 2024 UDFA out of Northern Illinois, Gilbert made the switch from safety in college to linebacker in the NFL. A Detroit native who played high school ball at Brother Rice, Gilbert is back for another season after he was waived injured before the end of training camp last year. Thought he had a shot at making the practice squad back then. We'll see if he can this year. CB Terrion Arnold: I'm of the opinion that it's only a matter of time until Arnold develops into a high-end cornerback. I have a ton of respect for Aaron Glenn's approach to finding corners and have talked to him about it one-on-one. He believes you need to have a short memory and a competitive mentality, in addition to the physical and athletic attributes required to play the position at a high level. Arnold has all of that. And while Glenn is no longer here, he put Arnold through the wringer as a rookie. He'll be better off because of it as a sophomore. CB D.J. Reed: Another reason I believe Arnold is due for a breakout year is Reed. Reed is going to set an unbelievable tone for Arnold. His work ethic is among the best on this roster, and that's saying something. He takes his preparation seriously and is a true professional when it comes to taking care of his body, knowing his assignments and paving the way for others. It's helped him outplay his draft slot and maximize everything he has as an undersized corner. Oh, by the way, he's been one of the most consistent players at his position for a few years now. I didn't know if the Lions would have the budget to sign a corner like Reed, but kudos to them for stepping up to get him. CB Amik Robertson: Robertson quickly settled in as the Lions' starting nickel after signing a two-year deal last offseason, and it was one of their best additions. Robertson's career has sort of mirrored the Lions' rise, so this is a match made in heaven. He's wired the right way, competes on every snap and is a consummate professional. You can't bury what comes from the dirt. Advertisement CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.: A second-round pick out of Missouri last year, Rakestraw was a standout in training camp as a rookie. He was sticky in coverage and was physical with receivers. The Lions liked him more at nickel last year, but injuries slowed him down. By the time he returned, Robertson had taken full control of that spot. This offseason, the Lions want Rakestraw to focus on cornerback, where he'll likely be the No. 3 behind Arnold and Reed. This is the sort of depth the Lions didn't have before. Expect him to continue developing behind the scenes until his number is called. DB Avonte Maddox: The Lions signed Maddox from the Eagles this offseason, and he's expected to play nickel and perhaps some safety for the team in 2025. The Detroit native has a Lions tattoo and finally found his way to his hometown team. He should back up Robertson. Curious how much safety he'll play. CB Rock Ya-Sin: Another solid depth signing was the addition of Ya-Sin. He's got 39 career starts under his belt, but is much better suited in a reserve role, which is what he'll have in Detroit. On a one-year deal, he looks like CB4 on the depth chart. Maybe CB5 if you include Robertson's positional versatility. A good spot for him. CB Khalil Dorsey: Dorsey makes the roster every year because he's Detroit's top gunner and one of Fipp's favorites. A nasty leg fracture shelved him in December, but he has a chance to be ready by training camp — if not, maybe within the first month of the season. CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver: A cornerback with 26 career games played and no starts, Thomas-Oliver signed with the Lions in December amid the injury rush and appeared in one game. He's been practicing with the team this offseason, but might just be training camp depth in a loaded room. We'll see if he can stick around in some capacity. S Kerby Joseph: An All-Pro safety, but somehow not a Pro Bowler, Joseph was one of the league's breakout stars in 2024. Ever since his rookie year, Joseph flashed glimpses of what he could eventually become, but finally put together a complete season, leading the league in interceptions and terrifying defenses as a centerfielder. Joseph is not an easy player to replace, which is why the Lions made him the league's highest-paid safety. He's a core player and his takeaways are often timely. DB Brian Branch: You could make the case for Branch as the second-most important defender on this team behind Hutchinson. He does everything. He can play in the box, blitz, cover from the slot and patrol the field deep at safety. One of the league's most versatile and instinctual defenders. Branch and the Lions can begin extension talks soon, and he has a chance to top Joseph's contract. Together, they form the league's best safety tandem. Crazy to think how far this secondary has come. Advertisement S Morice Norris: Norris, a 2024 UDFA out of Fresno State, caught my eye at times in training camp a year ago. He was physical and looked the part, but he was waived injured with a hamstring injury last August. The Lions kept him around, though, signing him to the practice squad in September and to the active roster in December. In OTAs, with some moving parts and excused absences in the secondary, Norris spent some time with the first-team defense in team periods. I'd keep an eye on him. Think he has a real shot here. S Loren Strickland: Strickland surprised many in 2024, making the Lions' initial 53-man roster as a UDFA out of Ball State. While he didn't log any defensive snaps, he was used on special teams, appearing in seven games. The question now is, can he stick around enough on special teams to earn more defensive snaps when someone goes down, and can he fend off newcomers and keep his spot? Time will tell. S Dan Jackson: The Lions drafted Jackson, a team captain at Georgia, in the seventh round this past April. He has the look of a special-teams ace who could push as a defensive reserve in due time. He's one of the biggest challengers to Strickland, and might have a leg up because of his pedigree. He's never been afraid of competition, working his way up from walk-on to key contributor on a Georgia roster that won back-to-back national championships. S Ian Kennelly: A Grand Valley State product, Kennelly signed with the Lions as a UDFA. He's got a physical presence to him at 6-foot-2, 209 pounds with a 9.06 relative athletic score. He passes the eye test. I'd like to see more of him. S Erick Hallett: A 2023 sixth-round pick out of Pitt, Hallett spent his rookie year on the Jaguars' practice squad and signed to Detroit's practice squad ahead of the 2024 season. Back in the fold as a safety, he'll have his work cut out for him to secure his spot. The Lions will let training camp dictate things. K Jake Bates: Bates' meteoric rise was one of the best stories of the 2024 season for the Lions. In need of a long-term answer at kicker, they turned to Bates — the best kicker in the UFL, starring for the local Michigan Panthers. After a bumpy training camp, Bates settled in and made 26 of his 29 attempts, including six of his eight attempts from 50 yards or more. The scary part? We might not have seen Bates' best yet. P Jack Fox: A two-time All-Pro punter, including a First-Team appearance in 2024, Fox continues to get better and better. He's a weapon for Fipp and company and his arm as a former quarterback offers a trick-play element that most punters don't have. Advertisement LB Hogan Hatten: The Lions added Hatten as a UDFA last offseason and let him battle it out with Scott Daly. Hatten emerged victorious and showed his value as an athlete on punt coverage. Only 24, the Lions could have a long-term answer at long snapper on their hands. (Top photo of Aidan Hutchinson: Andrew Dieb / Imagn Images)
